I still fail to realize the appeal of adapting every children's fantasy novel into film. It was done once to impeccable success with Harry Potter. However that was because the books were very good, the author was closely involved to the process and the studio took the franchise more seriously than any other adaptation before. Movie studios don't realize that one single hit, dosen't equal to multiple success stories to others book series. Narnia was the one that came close and everything else from Golden Compass to Percy Jackson were critical and financial bombs. Is the Owl movie any different?

story:

We follow the struggle of a family of Owls in the dark days of the evil Queen of the Pure Ones Nyra (Helen Mirren). Soren (Jim Sturges) has heard all his life of the old days and the Owl Guardians and how they kept justice. After his family has been split apart and his brother Kludd (Ryan Kwanten) taken by the Pure Ones. Its up to Soren to live the adventure, be a guardian himself and bring his family back together.

thoughts:

A film about owls dosen't sound quite attractive does it? Having no knowledge of the books, nor did I really care about owls that talk and fight over kingdoms and have knights. I came into a world pleasant enough for a child's eyes and fun enough with action and effects to keep the adults busy. It employs many cliches that kids wont mind, the level of production is substantial and the voice cast better than expected.

The films CGI animation are very well done and is beautiful to see owls in action. The voice casting is top notch as well with many big name actors contributing to the Owl voices. The choice of action director Zack Synder to direct, actually was a inspired choice. The man knows how to tell a story and his assistance in action scenes is shown and only benefits the children's films to have a more dramatic and action tone.

verdict:

For a kid under 13, this not a bad film to see. Its got some humor, action and a good brotherly conflict story. Now is that enough for adults? Kind of. So if your stuck with the kids and a family film is in dire need, the Owl film is a suitable choice.